Chapter 1886 - 1404: Compromise Reached_3

"Mr. President, if you mean national security? We've certainly considered it. All materials have been legally reviewed. Horizon's legal team includes three former Department of Justice prosecutors, who ensure our reporting fully complies with the First Amendment and the relevant legal standards of information freedom."

"Legal standards and moral responsibilities are sometimes not the same thing."

Obama's tone remained calm, but each word carried increasing weight.

"Especially when the reporting might endanger personnel still on missions or undermine our intelligence cooperation with allies. Not to mention, disclosing certain materials could directly violate the Espionage Act."

A brief silence.

Obama could imagine Angel's expression at that moment.

Those sharp eyes assessing risks, the brain calculating gains and losses.

Should she insist on publishing to win a Pulitzer Prize and peak ratings, or yield in exchange for some compromise from the White House?

"Mr. President, let me speak frankly."

Angel finally responded, the lightness in her voice vanished.

"We didn't obtain these materials by chance. The source provided conclusive evidence that the government violated legal and moral guidelines in multiple overseas operations. The American people have the right to know how their taxes are being spent and what kind of wars are being waged in their name."

"War is never clean, Angel. You know this better than I do. You've also been a war correspondent, you've been to Illiguo, you should know the situation there, having seen the gray areas on the battlefield firsthand."

"It is precisely because I've seen it that I believe more in transparency."

Angel's voice suddenly rose.

"I've seen weddings bombed due to faulty intelligence, seen children lose entire families due to 'collateral damage.' If we don't report these, who will?"

Obama closed his eyes.

This was also the question he pondered during sleepless nights.

Balance, eternal balance: security and freedom, secrecy and transparency, reality and ideals.

"What if I told you," he said slowly, "we are already prepared to take action to correct the issues you mentioned? What would you do?"

"Empty promises, Mr. President. We've heard too many." Angel said.

"Not empty words."

Obama pointed at his waist, shifted his seat, adjusted his posture.

"After this matter, I will initiate a comprehensive review of the oversight mechanism for intelligence contractors, revise the authorization procedures for overseas operations, and conduct an independent investigation into any past actions that may have overstepped."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"But these things take time, Angel. If you publish those materials tonight, the political tsunami it triggers may drown any possibility of substantial change. The Republican Party would use it to win the election, and the first thing they would do is bury all these reforms. You know what that coarse real estate developer on the other side would do, he would turn our country into a mess! Your family has traditionally supported the Donkey Party, do you want to see that happen?"

There was only the sound of breathing on the other end of the phone.

"You're asking me to suppress the news." Angel finally said, her voice very soft.

"I'm asking you to consider the bigger picture." Obama corrected: "Sometimes, when faced with truth and the bigger picture, choosing the bigger picture is the wiser choice."

"What about my source? I promised him protection, but I also promised to let the truth be known."

The moment had arrived.

Obama took a deep breath.

He knew well, this was the most crucial juncture.

The source behind all this information.

Ha.

Isn't it just Song Heping!

"Regarding your source, let's call him 'Mr. Song.' I can tell you the government is ready to reach an understanding with him, agree to all his demands, and soon someone will contact him and arrange all procedural matters. He can get what he wants without detonating an intelligence bomb that could harm this country."

The sound of a chair moving was heard from the other end, Angel apparently stood up.

"How do you know—"

"I know many things, Angel. I know who your source is, I know why he's doing this, I know what else he has in his possession. Even if I wanted to know more, you wouldn't have any secrets in front of me."

Obama's tone remained calm, but each word was as precise as a scalpel.

Silence.

Fifteen seconds of silence.

"Is this a threat, Mr. President?" Angel's voice was icy.

"It's a reminder, Miss Angel." Obama said: "Reminding you that we all live in a complex world, reminding you every choice has consequences, reminding you sometimes, temporary restraint can lead to greater progress."

He paused, picked up the coffee on the table, took a sip before continuing: "Tell your source, the pardon documents are ready. He just needs to wait, and soon there will be a result satisfactory to both parties."

Outside the window, the fountain on the South Lawn of the White House lit up.

The water column danced in the colored lights, beautiful and fleeting.

"What if I refuse?" Angel asked.

"Then tonight at seven, you publish your materials. Tomorrow at eight, the Department of Justice will announce an investigation into Horizon News Group's involvement in receiving and disseminating state secrets. The SEC will re-examine your company's financial records. The IRS will request all account details for the past seven years."

Obama's voice was bland, but the threat was as sharp as a knife.

"Angel. This is the inevitable result if you insist on action—the law and procedure will have to be set in motion."